[March 20, 2014]Globally, members of Zonta
International, an organization dedicated to advancing the status of
women and girls, celebrated International Women's Day and Zonta Rose
Day this month. In the week leading up to March 8, more than 30,000
Zontians from 66 countries devoted their efforts to raising
awareness of the opportunities and challenges for women around the
world through events, forums and service activities.

To celebrate International Women's Day and Zonta Rose Day locally,
on March 7 and 8 the Zonta Club of Lincoln presented a yellow rose
to three downtown businesswomen: Melody Shew with MKS Jewelers,
Jeanne Xamis with Serendipity Stitches and Mary Lanterman with Beans
& Such.

"Working to protect and advance the rights of women and girls
around the world is not an option, it's a necessity," said Lynn
McKenzie, president of Zonta International. "Zontians and Zonta
Clubs advocate, service and raise considerable funds to deliver
vital programs directed to improving the lives of women worldwide."

McKenzie said that Zonta must work tirelessly and with other
like-minded organizations and individuals to ensure that the future
of a girl child born this year "is one where she is loved, healthy,
safe, fed, happy and can live her dream."

This past year, Zontians have concentrated on the significant and
debilitating impact that violence against women has on women, their
families and community. Zonta's global campaign, "Zonta
Says No," addressed violence against women, mobilizing Zonta's
members to stand up and collectively condemn all forms of violence
against women from Ibadan in Nigeria to Nepal, Korea, Bangladesh,
Japan, Finland, Germany, Uruguay, North America and New Zealand.

Zonta Club of Lincoln offers an annual Women's Career
Scholarship. Applications are due to Ruth Sloot at
slootruth@comcast.net by
March 28.